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A new Premier Inn hotel is set to open at the Barry Waterfront development, creating 68 jobs in the Vale of Glamorgan town.

The hotel chain has exchanged contracts with the Vale of Glamorgan council to develop an 80-bedroom hotel on a two-acre site.

A planning application has been made, with a decision due in the autumn.

Construction is expected to start in early 2012, with the hotel opening by the end of next year.

The proposals for the hotel were on show at a public exhibition at the end of June and its design has received the support of the Design Commission for Wales.

Council leader Gordon Kemp said: "If approved for planning, this is excellent timing for the hotel and restaurant development.

"The future is a very positive one for Barry thanks to the investment and commitment of investors such as Premier Inn."

Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis said: "This will be a welcome boost for the local economy, both during the construction process and after the opening and will also complement the other extensive regeneration activities taking place in the town".